Michael La Rosa (Lucchese)

 

M. La Rosa

 

Michael 'Mike the Baker' La Rosa was a member of the Lucchese Family.

Born June 2, 1915 in NYC to Gioacchino La Rosa (25y) and Ninfa DiPeri (19y). Father born in Palermo, Sicily and mother born in the Marineo commune of Palermo province.

During childhood family resided at 202 Mott St in Manhattan. Future Genovese Family Soldier Salvatore 'Pete Ricco' DiPietro (1922-1973) also resided there.

In 1915 parents founded G. La Rosa & Sons Bakery at 202 Elisabeth St in Manhattan. The bakery would stay in business well into the 1980s.

In 1940 resided at 899 Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn.

In 1950 resided at 181 Highland Boulevard in Brooklyn.

By the 1960s owned G. La Rosa & Sons Bakery.

The time frame of LaRosa's induction into the Lucchese Family is not known. Included in the 1988 Senate Charts of Lucchese Family membership. LaRosa likley part of the late 1970s inductions. By the late 1970s La Rosa was a close associate of Lucchese Family Boss Anthony Corallo and involved in the Lucchese Family's racketeering in the construction industry.

In November of 1978 FBI surveillance observered La Rosa entering Orlando's Resturant in Huntington, Long Island. Orlando's was as a meeting place for Corallo's associates. 

On August 8, 1980 an FBI CI advised: "MIKE LA ROSA" is a member of the LUCHESE Family in the crew of JOSEPH DI PALERMO. Source advised that LA ROSA owns La Rosa Bakery on Elisabeth Street in New York City and has a lucerative shylocking operation in that area."

A FBI report from 2/4/81 summaries:

"LA ROSA is the owner of G. La Rosa and Sons Bakery, 202-209 Elizabeth Street, Manhattan, New York. Informant information indicates that LA ROSA is an underboss to LUCHESE boss ANTONIO "TONY DUCKS" CORALLO. LA ROSA is a major loanshark and did loan a substantial sum to [redacted] Telephone toll records reflect large volume of calls made from LA ROSA's residence to CORALLO, [redacted]. Little is known of the control LA ROSA may have over the baking industry in New York City.

As a co-conspirator, LA ROSA allegedly received a portion of all kickback monies paid by victim general contractors, including [redacted] JOE BELLANTONI, deceased, paid LA ROSA his cut of the payoff monies. LA ROSA, according to BELLANTONI, is the underboss of "TONY DUCKS" CORALLO."

Reference to La Rosa as a 'underboss' may indicate that La Rosa reported directly to Corallo and not to a Capodecina. 

Corallo had a long-standing influence over the bakery industry through Lucchese Family associate Daniel Motto (1910-1973), a loan-shark and long-standing president of Local 350 of Bakery Workers union. Corallo, Motto and city water commissioner James L. Marcus sentenced to prison in 1968 in a city contract kickback scheme to refurbish the Jerome Park Reservoir in the Bronx. A Little Italy native, Daniel Motto resided at 310 Mott Street in Manhattan in 1920.

Corallo early 1980s.

An FBI report from 3/4/81 states:

"[redacted] said that the rehabilitation rate of bricklayer rate pay at that time was approximately $13.10 [redacted] also stated that he has no idea what the non-union bricklaver at the 405 Hudson Street job received in salary. at this time advised that the bricklayer locals in NYC have suffered extreme economic hardship in the past due to the fact that 1500 bricklayers have dropped out of the various city bricklayer local unions since 1975.

[redacted] was then asked to comment as to his knowledge of organized crime infiltration into the bricklayers in the NYC denies any knowledge of organized crime infiltration in the pricklayer or any other trade local in the NYC area [redacted], and denied ever having been affiliated with any persons known to exert great influence in the labor industry in NY. [redacted] stated that he has never been involved in construction kickbacks and emphatically denied knowing these following individuals; SONNY PETRILLO, MIKE LA ROSA, TONY "DUCKS" CORALLO, PETE DE FEO, and "CHIN" GIGANTE [redacted] did state that he knows [redacted] as Local 59 of the Laborers Union delegate."

By 1981 resided at 82 Ripplewater Avenue, Massapequa, NY.

On March 9, 1981 among twelve defendants indicted on labor racketeering charges relating to extortion of construction companies. Part of the evidence came from a FBI bug placed in the 12 East 86th Street apartment of Genovese Family Soldier Vincent DiNapoli. One defendant, Theodore Maritas, president of the 25,000-member New York City District Council of Carpenters, disappeared before sentencing and is presumed murdered. La Rosa served 8 months in federal prison.

In the early 1980s La Rosa made three cash contributions to Geraldine Ferraro's congressional campaign. Ferraro would be the Democratic vice presidential nominee in the 1984 election. La Rosa had a long-standing business relationship with Ferraro's husband John Zaccaro and Zaccaro had managed Manhattan property owned by La Rosa and had helped refinance mortgages on several of La Rosa's properties.

Michael La Rosa died November 1988. 

Frank Magistro (Lucchese)

 

1960

Frank Magistro was a member of the Lucchese Family.

Born July 25, 1901 in Messina, Sicily to Salvatore (29y) and Carmella G. Lisi (24y). Immigrated to the US in 1909. Became a citizen in 1921. Father worked in construction.

By the late 1920s associated with Tom Gagliano, who became Boss of the Lucchese Family in 1930. Magistro was likely a made member by the 1930s. The time frame of Magistro's induction into the Lucchese Family is not known. Included in the 1983 and 1988 Senate Charts of Lucchese Family membership.

By May 1929 resided at 2550 Colden Avenue in the Bronx.

On June 32, 1932 sentenced to four months in federal house of detention the for tax evasion during the years 1927 to 1929. The charges steamed from Magistro's involvment in the construction industry. Family Boss Tom Gagliano was also sentenced to prison for tax evasion and suspected Lucchese Family member Antonio Monforte was sentenced to seven years for extorion in 1929 and to two years in for tax evasion in 1932.

Magistro's nephew Salvatore "Sam" Rizzo (1916-1986) married the daughter of Monforte, and Magistro's niece married the son of Monforte. Nunziata Monforte's, wife of Antonio, maiden name was Magistro. Sam Rizzo was included in the 1983 Senate Charts of Lucchese Family membership.

By July 1942 Magistro resided at 768 South Oak Drive in the Bronx.

By 1942 Magistro operated Metro Lathing Co. in the Bronx. Tom Gagliano was employed at Metro Lathing Co, as was Joseph Gagliano (1911-1979), son of suspected Lucchese Family member Angelo Gagliano (1878-1954). Angelo's nephew Joseph 'Pip the Blind' Gagliano (1903-1947) was a member of the Genovese Family.

By April 1950 Magistro resided at 638 East 227th Street in the Bronx.

In April 1951 Anthony 'Chick' D'Amore, a Mount Vernon gambler, incoperated Ace Lathing Co. A year later he had two equal partners, August Carfano and Carrie Magistro. August Carfano was the brother of Genovese Family Capodecina Anthony 'Little Augie' Carfano and Carrie Magistro was the daughter of Frank Magistro. Later Magistro became part owner of Ace Lathing.

Ace Lathing shared office with Westchester Lathing Co, now operated by Joseph Gagliano. Stockholders included Lucchese Family Consigliere Vincent Rao, his brother Lucchese Family member Charles Rao and Frank Carfano, son of Anthony Carfano. Westchester Lathing Co had been formed in the 1920s by Tom Gagliano and Antonio Monforte.

Testimony from 1960 concluded that Westchester Lathing Co had been formed by a group of lathing contractors as a joint enterprise to facilitate operation of jobs and prevent competition among themselves.

When Anthony Carfano was murderd in 1959, Frank Magistro was among those questioned by detectives.

In the 1980s his son Salvatore Magistro (1930-2013), a Lucchese Family associate, operated Gun Hill Building supplies and Star Lathing at 1015 East Gun Hill Road in the Bronx. The premesis was a known meeting place for members and associates of the Lucchese Family, among them Family members Mariano Macaluso and Michael Salerno.

He died February 26, 1993.

Alfred Cupola (Genovese)

Al Cupola

 

Alfred 'Sharky' Cupola was a member of the Genovese Family.

Born 28 May, 1902 in NYC to Vincent Cupolo (35y) Anna Rusciono (24y). Father born in Salerno, Italy.

First arrested in 1919 for disorderly conduct. Second arrest came in 1921 in Boston, Mass. Arrested as 'Tony Lamonte'.

By 1920 he resided at 517 East 117th Street in East Harlem. A few years later the family moved to Queens at 170-38 93rd Ave, in Jamiaca.

In 1922 sentenced to Elmira Reformatory for grand larceny. Released by 1924.

In 1942 listed his employer as his brother-in-law Salvatore 'Sam' Bellitte, owner of Bellitte Bicycles in Jamaica, Queens.

By 1958 he was a made member of the Genovese Family reporting to Michael 'Trigger' Coppola, who headed a large crew in based in the East Harlem. By the early 1960s Cupola was employed as an undertaker at the Giordano Funeral Home in East Harlem and acted as one of Fat Tony Salerno's main associates while Salerno lived part time in Miami.

On March 25, 1960 an FBI CI advised: "that CUPOLA was employed as an undertaker a a Funeral Parlor whose address was unknown. During the interview with he advised that he had known CUPOLA for many years from residing in East Harlem and saw him only a few days ago at the Funeral Parlor at First Avenue, between 115 and 116th Streets. On May 13, 1960, SAS KAAS and WALSH determined the only funeral home in this block to be a Giordano Funeral Home located at 2242 First Avenue, New York. New York."

An FBI report dated July 18, 1960 stated: "Observation of 2242 First Avenue, New York City, New York, by SAS ROGER L. KAAS and EDWARD T. WALSH, JR., on. July 18, 1960, revealed that on the ground floor mail box there appeared the name A. SALERNO. 2242 First Avenue, in New York City, also contains the Giordano Funeral Home, at which it was alleged that ALFRED CUPOLA could be located. CUPOLA is allegedly a close associate of SALERNO."

On June 6, 1961, an FBI CI advised: "that AL CUPPOLA, also known as SHARKY, FBI Number 1944783, and described as an associate of [ANTHONY SALERNO] is responsible for [SALERNO'S] percentage in the policy play in New York. SHARKY allegedly places this money in the form of a cashiers check or money order which is purchased in a bank near 116th Street and 1st Avenue, New York City."

On January 11, 1962 FBI agents attemted to interview CUPOLA but the attempt was apparently unsuccessful: "CUPOLA replied that he would not be interviewed and that it was in the hands of his attorney. However, CUPOLA did not offer his present whereabouts or the name of his attorney ... On January 11, 1962 [FBI CI] advised that CUPOLA might be located in or around a social club in East Harlem, known as the Democratic Club, located on 116th Street between First and Second Avenues."

On May 16, 1966 indicted with five others for extortion and loan-sharking. Codefendants included Genovese Family members Louis 'Bobby' Manna (future Genovese Family Consigliere) and Lawrence Dentico. Charges included trying to extort money from a Hoboken pier operator. Cleared of charges the following year.

He died October 15, 1974.

Alexander Rosato (Genovese)

 

A. Rosato

 

Alexander 'Al Ross' Rosato was a member of the Genovese Family.

Born July 8, 1914 in Manhattan to Carmine Rosato (26y) and Olivia Patriarca (19y). Both parents born in Castelforto, Lazio, Italy. Father worked as a carpenter.

By 1920 resided at 324 112 St in East Harlem, Manhattan.

By 1935 the Rosato family had moved from East Harlem to Queens and resided at 56-48 Van Cleef St, in the Corona section.

In 1940 claimed employment with Thomas Galante & Sons in the Bronx.

On Christmas Eve 1945 cleared of robbery charges along with Johnny Earle and John McQueeney. The trio was accused of robbing two executives of the Planetary Recreation Inc., a firm which had the checking concessions at most of Manhattan's biggest nightclubs, as they were about to enter the firm's office at 111 West 34th street, Manhattan, on June 11 1945. Johnny Earle would be murdered by members of the Genovese Family in 1957.

In 1950 resided at 2515 36th Ave in Astoria, Queens.

According to FBI CI and self-proclaimed Lucchese Soldier Carmine 'Fats' Taglialatela during an 1969 interview, Rosato became an inducted member of the Genovese Family about 1951, reporting to Capodecina Mike 'Trigger' Coppola, head of the family's East Harlem crew:

"[Taglialatela] identified one AL ROSS, an Italian whos real name temporarily eluded the source as a "member" of the TOMMY RYAN family of LCN. He ie in BENNY SQUINT's regime (PHILIP LOMBARDO) and makes his headquartere at a club located two doors down from a paint store on 2nd Avenue between 118th and 117th Streets in New York City. ROSS can be found at this club generally between 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM. The source said ROSS is one of the largeet shylocke in Manhattan and a very vicious individual who would not hesitate to kill.

[Taglialatela] source said ROSS killed a [victim] in 1953-54 for failing to pay off a $500 loan and for getting "out of line' on the telephone when he was talking to ROSS. The source said this [victim] got abusive on the phone and ROSS asked him to come to the club where they could settle this difference as gentlemen. When the [victim] arrived, ROSS talked him into the hallway next to the club and there killed him with a revolver. With the assistance of one LOUIE DOME (phonetic) [Louis Pacella], a possible relative of ROSS, the body was loaded into a car and driven to a section in the Bronx where it was dumped among trash cans. LOUIE was "made" a member for his assistance in this killing, with ROSS acting as his sponsor. [Taglialatela] advised that ROSS was "made" in 1950-51 at BENNY SQUINT's headquarters at 116th Street and 1st Avenue. He was made under the sponsorship of MIKE COPPOLA." 

Louie 'Dome' Pacella

On October 23, 1961 an FBI CI advised that: "ALEXANDER ROSATO also known as AL ROSS, New York City Police Department (NYCPD) #114210, has a reputation in East Harlem of being the right hand man for MIKE COPPOLA and [Tony] SALERNO. This informant understands ROSS handles COPPOLA's and SALERNO's policy interest in East Harlem, and reportedly travels between New York City and Florida by airplance carrying large amounts of cash to SALERNO and COPPOLA."

In February 1962 included on the FBI's list of identified Genovese Family members.

By the early 1960's Rosato resided part-time in the Miami area having joined Michael Coppola and 'Fat Tony' Salerno.

On March 15 1962 FBI agents interviewed Alexander Rosato in Miami: "[Rosato] advised during an interview that he grew up with ANTHONY SALERNO in the East Harlem area of NY. He stated that Salerno was in the fruit or produce business in NY but would not elaborate on this. He denied knowing SALERNO's business activities or sources of income. He stated that Salerno occasionally came by Imperial Liquors, Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami, where Rosato was employed, and he had seen him around 23rd and Collins, Miami."

On February 19, 1963, an FBI CI advised: "he had learned that ANTHONY SALERNO, MICHAEL COPPOLA and ALEXANDER ROSATO, also known as AL ROSS, had invested $100,000 each in a legitimate loan company in Miami, Florida. This informant was not aware of the company's name or any other details concerning this venture."

In the early to mid 1960's Philip Lombardo replaced Michael Coppola as Capodecina of the East Harlem crew.

On March 22, 1973, an FBI CI advised as follows: "PHILIP LOMBARDO continues to be the titular head of the GENOVESE Family, LA COSA NOSTRA, having close associaton with AL ROSATO [redacted], informant further advised that ROSATO has gained stature in the family since LOMBARDO has taken over due to ROSATO's wealth from loan-sharking and his past close association with LOMBARDO."

On March 23, 1977 an FBI CI present at Palma Boys Social club reported: "Source advised that over the weekend Benny Lombardo, Genovese Capo, returned from Florida. On the afternoon of 3/21/77 he was at the Palma Boys Social Club on E.116th St. NYC and the following individuals appeared at the club to welcome him home. Al Rosato, [redacted] Joe Stracci, [redacted] Sammy Santoro, Fat Tony Salerno [redacted]"

By 1983 resided at 141-60 11th Avenue in Whitestone, Queens.

Alexander Rosato died February 15, 1986.

Joseph Lanza (Genovese)

 

Joseph Lanza

Joseph Lanza was a member of the Genovese Family.

Born January 25, 1912 in NYC to Bernardo Lanza (26y) and Maria Schillaci (25y). Both parents born in Corleone, Sicily. Father worked as a plasterer.

Maria Schillaci's brother Giovanni 'Al Brown' Schillaci was a member of the Genovese Family who was deported to Italy in 1947.

Older brother Biagio (1907-1973) was a suspected member of the Genovese Family. Older brother Carmelo 'Charles' (1906-1977) was identified as a Genovese Family Soldier in a 1983 Senate Chart (although he was deceased at the time).

By 1929 lived on 774 Adee Avenue in the Bronx.

Four days after his 17th birthday arrested for assault and robbery. Released from Elmira reformatory on April 11 1929. Eight days later arrested for robbery and sentenced to 10 years. Returned to prison for parole violation in 1936. Released 1938.

In 1940 partner with brothers, Carmelo and Biagio in Actual Plastering Corp, located at 161 East 121th Street in Manhattan.

By the late-1950s he was an inducted member of the Genovese Family.

By the 1960s the Lanza brothers owned Lanco Construction Co, described as a major firm.

In 1970 brother Biagio was on the Executive Committee of The Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, representing the plasterers. Biagio was also a Business Agent for Local 60 of the Plasterers union.

In 1972 sentenced to Five months for his part in a Florida gambling operation run by Harlan Blackburn, the so-called 'King of Bolita'. Lanza had loaned Blackburn money after they were introduced in 1967 by Gambino Family member Thomas Altamura.

By the early 1970s Joseph Lanza was a close associate of Genovese Family Capodecina Philip 'Benny Squint' Lombardo and a member of his crew.

P. Lombardo

On February 11, 1972 FBI CI reported: "He stated that he knew JOE LANZA as an associate of LOMBARDO, and knew JOE LANZA to be connected with the Lanco Construction Co., Bronx, NY. He stated he knew JOE LANZA to be involved in the plaster business."

On October 26, 1972 FBI CI reported: "BENNY SQUINT is a captain in the GENOVESE family of LCN and JOE LANZA is a button under BENNY. [Informant] further advised that LANZA is a big shylock who uses an individual by the name of [redacted] (phonetic) to handle his shylocking business."

A cousin of Joseph Lanza provided FBI with information. On October 26, 1972 FBI CI reported: "

He advised that PHILIP LOMBARDO is a friend of his cousin, JOE LANZA. JOE LANZA is a salesman for the Lanco Construction Company, 1000 Brook Avenue, corner of Washington Street, Bronx, New York. He advised that [redacted] the brother of JOE LANZA, is the President of the Lanco Construction Company.

He stated that occasionally he has gone to a social club on East 116th Street near 1st Avenue, New York City. This social club is on the South Side of East 116th Street, and the front of this club is of glass, that is covered with brown paper. He stated this social club is for the plasterers, Although here is no sign indicating such on the building font ... He advised it would be difficult to get Italians to talk about any organized crime influence in the plasters union."

On July 18, 1974 FBI CI reported: "Source advised that captioned individuals [LANZA, LOMBARDO] continue to frequent the Colonial Tavern, on 116th Street and First Avenue, New York City, New York. He stated that LANZA used to conduct his shylocking operations from that same area."

On September 15, 1975 FBI CI reported: "...that earlier on the same day he was the area of 116th Street and 1st Avenue, NYC. He stated that he saw the following individuals in front of the Palma Boys Social Club: TONY SALERNO, [redacted], BUCKY FERRO, PATSY GENESE, BENNY LOMBARDO and JOE LANZA."

Joseph Lanza died June 1977 in New York.

James Battaglia (Genovese)

 

 

1955

James 'Jimmy Battles' Battaglia was a member of the Genovese Family.

Born July 27, 1912 in Manhattan to Giuseppe (33y), and Maria Ferranti (25y).

By 1920 resided on Oak Street in Manhattan, in the Two Bridges neighborhood, which later became the Knickerbocker Village.

In 1935 resided on 1567 79th Street in Bensonhurst.

On June 29, 1955 arrested in a Manhattan apartment on charges of bookmaking. An associate, Thomas 'Tom Riley' Seccamanie (36y) had been taking horse bets over the phone in a diffrent Manhattan apartment and then transmitting them to Battaglia.

By the late-1950s he was an inducted member of the Genovese Family.
 

On June 3, 1960 arrested with five associates on charges of possessing stolen goods and conspiracy. The group had set up dummy companies and ordered merchandise from other firms on 30 days credit. The operation was described as, "Buy now and never pay later". Battaglia was held on a $25,000 bail. Only part of the goods had been recovered. At the time Battaglia was president of Big City Shipping Co. of 235 West street, NYC.
 

One of the men arrested with Battaglia was Morty Rosenberg. In 1961 Rosenberg was the subject of a sit down between the Gambino and Genovese Families over money owed to an unspecified subject (apparently represented by Genovese Capodecina Tommy Greco) and Gambino Family member Mike Scandifia (apparently represented by Gambino Family Consiglieri Joe Biondo, and Capodecina Carmine Lombardozzi).

On March 3, 1967 FBI CI reported: "Informant advised that just before his most
recent brush with the law, he was [Redacted] of the garment area. An individual named Morty ROSENBERG's owed [Redacted] sent [Redacted] threatened ROSENBERG's life and ROSENBERG  thereafter talked to MIKE SCANDIFIA about this. SCANDIFIA requested a sit down on this matter and met with [Redacted] TOMMY GRECO and JOE BIONDO in Lanza's Restaurant. SCANDIFIA claimed that he had a piece of ROSENBERG and that ROSENBERG was broke. [Redacted] GRECO, BIONDO, CARMINE LOMBARDOZZI and SCANDIFIA split the proceeds and gave none of this money to [Redacted] who originally loaned the money to ROSENBERG.

Informant said that sometime later he learned that ROSENBERG was also in debt heavily to LARRY and JOE GALLO for money shylocked to him. [Redacted] met with the GALLO brothers on President Street and asked them if they would leave ROSENBERG alone until he had a chance to collect what was owed [Redacted] He stated that during this meeting, JOE GALLO became incense and indicated that he would not go along with [Redacted]. GALLO told [Redacted] that ROSENBERG 'had to be killed.' Informant said that a short time later, ROSENBERG's body was found in Coney Island. He stated that the above took place in approximately 1959 or 1960."

Larry and Joe Gallo were Colombo Family members.
 

The body of Morty Rosenberg was found April 19, 1961.

Morty Rosenberg

In 1962 identified by the FBI as a Genovese Family soldier under Tommy Eboli, Capodecina.

In August 1964 identified by the FBI as a Genovese Family member.

On March 18, 1965 arrested on bookmaking charges. One man wagering with Battaglia was a Wall Street broker who lost all his money and then stole money from 40 of his customers. The district attorney's spokesman called the broker a "bookmaker's dream".
 

On August 12, 1965 FBI CI reported: "Informant advised he has known BATTAGLIA as Jimmy Batts [Redacted] however he has not seen him [Redacted] Informant advised that this individual used to hang out in the Crescent area of the Bronx with 'POP' Dave aka The Old Man (David Amodeo)."

David Amodeo was a member of the Gambino Family.

On February 1, 1967 arrested along with Thomas Seccamanie on charges of operating a $5-million-a-year bookmaking operation. Battaglia carried 21 $100 bills when arrested. Both men released on their own recognizance. At the time Battaglia was living at 239 Floral Ave, Plainview, LI.

On June 28, 1971 arrested in a midtown Manhattan phone booth carrying $4,000 worth of gambling bets and $7,000 worth of loan shark records. He offered police $500 not to arrest him. Battaglia was set free after posting a $2,500 bail after an arraignment on charges of promoting gambling, possession of gambling records and bribery.


In September of 1977 arrested for operating a bookmaking operation out of his home on 239 Floral Ave. Police found $66,000 worth of gambling receipts.

In 1979 reported to be a member of Capodecina Ottaviano 'Tommy' Lombardi's crew.

He died on June 16, 1991 in Hicksville, Nassau, New York.